while the original request mentioned yichang, china, this guide focuses on shanghai, a city renowned for its dynamic and evolving queer community. shanghai offers a diverse range of experiences for gay travelers, from intimate bars to energetic dance clubs and cultural events.
exploring shanghai's gay-friendly bars and lounges
shanghai boasts a variety of welcoming establishments where individuals can connect and unwind.
some venues are celebrated for their relaxed atmosphere, providing a space for casual conversation and enjoying a drink, while others cater to those seeking a more lively evening out.
asia blue: a refined experience
asia blue is often described as a hidden gem within shanghai's gay scene.
unlike some of the city's more crowded hotspots, it offers a more laid-back environment. this allows patrons to comfortably socialize and enjoy their beverages. the clientele is diverse, attracting people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. the bar is noted for its extensive cocktail menu, featuring unique creations.
it serves as a popular starting point for those planning a night of further exploration.
the moon bar: charm and local flavor
tucked away down an alley off huaihai zhong lu, the moon bar presents a charming and intimate setting. its walls, adorned with local art, contribute to a warm and inviting ambiance.
while many of the patrons are local chinese individuals who may have limited english proficiency, the atmosphere is consistently friendly and welcoming to international visitors. the bar is situated in the yuhua building, near hangzhou bank.
shanghai's evolving club scene
the city's clubbing landscape has seen significant changes, especially in the post-covid era.
while some established venues have closed, new ones have emerged, becoming central to the local lgbtq+ community. these clubs are characterized by their energetic music, skilled dj sets, vibrant lighting, and engaging events.
medusa: a unique entry experience
medusa is a celebrated monthly queer party held at elevator.
its legendary status is partly due to its unconventional entry requirement: participants must engage in a playful challenge. upon arrival, guests might be greeted by a drag queen and a spinning wheel, with each segment dictating a fun, often daring, task. these can range from humorous impersonations to more adventurous acts.
the rewards are access to an environment with loud music, a wide selection of drinks, and a truly uninhibited crowd. the energy inside is palpable, with attendees encouraged to let loose and embrace the experience. checking medusa's facebook page for upcoming event dates is recommended.
past gay sauna and gym facilities
in previous years, shanghai offered several gay saunas and gyms that rivaled those found in other major international cities.
these establishments provided amenities such as steam rooms, saunas, gyms, and open shower areas. however, it's important to note that in the post-covid period, these specific facilities, including ding lin men's club, shanghai door health club, huli sauna (shanghai mutual benefits shower leisure center), and hawaii gay gym, have ceased operations.
the impact of dating apps and cruising spots
the rise of gay dating applications has significantly influenced traditional cruising culture in shanghai.
apps like grindr (which is accessible in china) and blued (widely used across asia and also available) are now primary tools for casual encounters. while direct outdoor cruising spots have diminished in prominence, people's square park is still mentioned as a location where some activity can occur in the late afternoon as dusk approaches.
these areas might attract rent boys and local men seeking brief interactions.
celebrating pride and lgbtq+ events in shanghai
shanghai hosts a robust calendar of lgbtq+ events, with shanghai pride in june being the most prominent. this annual celebration is recognized as one of asia's largest and most significant pride events.
beyond the main pride festivities, the city features multiple other lgbtq+ gatherings throughout the year, including several highly anticipated gay film festivals.
shanghai pride: a milestone event
launched in , shanghai pride marked the first lgbtq+-themed event in mainland china and continues to be a vital celebration.
past events have included a city-wide bike ride, symbolizing unity and visibility, with participants converging from various points across shanghai. the pride run, followed by a communal meal, has also been a popular feature. additional events like the ladies' party and an activist conference address critical issues such as employment discrimination and marriage equality within the queer community.
lgbtq+ film festivals: showcasing diverse stories
shanghai is a hub for lgbtq+ cinema, hosting at least three distinct film festivals annually.
these festivals provide a valuable platform for stories that center the lives, experiences, and challenges faced by the community, offering a refreshing alternative to the often heteronormative narratives prevalent in mainstream cinema.
- shanghaipride film festival: typically occurring in june, coinciding with the main pride event, this festival focuses on films by asian filmmakers, often exploring themes like queer families or gender identity.
- another film festival: this event specifically highlights chinese and other asian lgbtq+ narratives.
it was established to counter the strong influence of western media on shanghai's queer scene, aiming to be a space run by and for asian gays.
- Gay doctor vids
the festival includes film screenings, discussion groups, and social gatherings.
culinary experiences in shanghai
shanghai offers an extraordinary culinary landscape, appealing to those who enjoy exploring new flavors and dining experiences. the city is filled with restaurants catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
din tai fung: a world-renowned dumpling destination
originating in taiwan, din tai fung has grown into a global chain celebrated for its exquisite dumplings.
shanghai's branches offer the same high-quality experience. the restaurant is particularly famous for its xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), which are widely praised. the menu includes a variety of dumpling fillings, with options suitable for vegetarian and vegan diners.
the pork with truffle dumplings are frequently highlighted as a standout dish.
flair at the ritz-carlton: elevated dining with a view
situated on the 58th floor of the ritz-carlton tower, flair provides one of china's highest open-air dining experiences.
the restaurant's decor blends rustic and contemporary elements, creating a welcoming atmosphere. the main attraction is the breathtaking panoramic view of the shanghai skyline. the menu features a wide array of asian cuisines, drawing influences from japan, indonesia, vietnam, india, china, and thailand.
must-see attractions and activities in shanghai
shanghai is a city that can dazzle and inspire, offering a multitude of activities for every traveler.
navigating its vibrant energy and diverse offerings can be a delightful challenge.
the bund: a historic waterfront promenade
the bund is a mile-long waterfront stretch in central shanghai, offering unparalleled views of the city's iconic skyline and the futuristic architecture of the pudong financial district across the huangpu river.
a leisurely stroll here provides a captivating glimpse into shanghai's past and present.
nighttime river cruise: illuminated cityscapes
experiencing shanghai's skyline from the huangpu river at night is a truly magical experience. a river cruise offers a unique perspective of the illuminated cityscape.
many cruises include dinner, often featuring regional specialties like xinjiang cuisine, enhancing the overall enjoyment. private transfers from hotels can add to the convenience.
french concession: historical charm and unique ambiance
a visit to the cosmopolitan french concession area is highly recommended.
this district is known for its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and charming boutiques, offering a tranquil escape from the city's bustling center.
oriental pearl TV tower: iconic landmark
the oriental pearl tv tower is one of shanghai's most recognizable landmarks.
visitors can ascend to the observation room, situated 259 meters above ground, for spectacular panoramic city views. the tower also features a rotating restaurant offering fine asian cuisine and creative cocktails. a notable event in the tower's history was a fire on its antenna in , which was extinguished without any injuries.
day trips from shanghai: exploring nearby treasures
shanghai serves as an excellent base for day trips to surrounding areas.
suzhou, a historically rich and picturesque city, is a popular choice. highlights include the lingering garden, a classical chinese garden renowned for its exquisite landscaping, rockeries, and pavilions. the garden also hosts performances of pingtan, a traditional chinese storytelling art form accompanied by music.
essential travel tips for shanghai
planning a trip to shanghai involves considering several practical aspects to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
travel insurance: peace of mind
it is always advisable to secure comprehensive travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies.
reliable insurance provides essential peace of mind during your travels.
arrival and transportation
most international travelers arrive at shanghai pudong international airport (pvg). domestic flights often land at hongqiao airport. navigating public transport from the airport to your accommodation can be time-consuming.
pre-booking a private transfer is a convenient option, especially after a long flight.
visa requirements
passport holders from certain countries, including the uk and eu member states, may enter china visa-free for stays up to 30 days. however, citizens of countries such as the united states, canada, and australia are required to apply for a visa in advance.
getting around the city
shanghai's extensive and efficient metro system is the primary mode of transportation for exploring the city.
signage, announcements, and maps are available in both english and chinese.
rechargeable transport cards can be purchased at metro stations and convenience stores. for late-night travel, taxis are readily available, as the metro typically ceases operation around 11 pm.
health and vaccinations
travelers to china should ensure they are up-to-date with routine vaccinations, including measles, mumps, rubella, and covid-19.
vaccinations against typhoid and hepatitis a are also recommended for most travelers. depending on travel plans beyond shanghai, additional vaccinations may be necessary. consulting the cdc website and speaking with a healthcare provider well in advance of travel is essential.
currency and tipping
the official currency in china is the renminbi (rmb), also commonly referred to as the chinese yuan (cny).
tipping is not a customary practice in china and may cause confusion. while some establishments in tourist areas might be accustomed to tips, it is generally not expected.
internet access and online privacy
many hotels, cafes, and restaurants in shanghai offer complimentary wi-fi.
however, access to many western websites and social media platforms, including instagram, facebook, and google, is restricted. a virtual private network (vpn) is recommended for maintaining online connectivity and privacy, allowing access to blocked sites and ensuring anonymous browsing.
other notable lgbtq+-friendly establishments and events
beyond the well-known spots, shanghai has other venues and events that contribute to its diverse lgbtq+ scene.
rabbit bar utopia
located in sanlitun, this bar welcomes a predominantly young chinese clientele but aims to attract an international crowd.
it is situated across from q mex in the courtyard 4 complex, near the intercontinental hotel.
reddogg bar utopia
this cocktail habitat in sanlitun soho is a popular spot for pre- or post-clubbing drinks. it opens in the evenings and closes at 2 am. a monthly women's party is held on the third saturday of each month.
another bar and cafe
situated in a renovated hutong courtyard, this gay-managed, lgbt-friendly establishment offers a welcoming environment.
the manager, henry, is a valuable resource for local gay scene information. the bar serves high-quality cocktails, imported beers, and wines, alongside a food menu featuring pizzas, paninis, and more. it prides itself on providing a quality, relaxed experience without loud music or disruptive elements.
shan mu lan bar
this bar in the nanluoguxiang area, a preserved hutong district, offers a lesbian-friendly atmosphere with distinctive xinjiang-style decor.
spread across three floors, it features comfortable seating and a relaxed ambiance suitable for conversation. it also serves xinjiang-style rice and milk tea.
two cities utopia
run by two gay friends from taiwan, this cafe in fangjia hutong is a tranquil spot with large windows perfect for people-watching.
it offers coffee, teas, and desserts, with both indoor and outdoor seating. the venue hosts a saturday afternoon lala lesbian event featuring discussions and film screenings, attracting local chinese women.
wang you ge forget about worries!
this small, cozy, and quiet lesbian-friendly bar is located in the hou hai bar area.
it operates nightly.
jujiao yanyi bar
located in the golden sun commercial hotel, this venue is known for its drag shows from thursday to sunday, starting around 9 pm. the atmosphere can be intimate, with patrons socializing before the performances. the venue is characterized by its speakeasy feel, though it may not appeal to those sensitive to second-hand smoke or who prefer immaculate restrooms.
destination utopia
this gay and lesbian-friendly club in chaoyang is busiest on weekends after midnight, offering free entry after 3 am.
it features a modern sound and lighting system. recent improvements have been made to staff training and security, contributing to a more welcoming atmosphere. the crowd is generally young, with some women also in attendance. some reports have mentioned concerns about drink quality.